US Bank Stadium witnessed an incredible defensive performance on Christmas Day as the Minnesota Vikings’ defense led their team to a fourth straight win and a second win over the Detroit Lions this season.
The win wasn’t just another checkmark in the standings. It triggered a flood of reactions that reflected how dramatically Minnesota’s momentum — and perception — has shifted over the past month.
With JJ McCarthy and a host of other key players, including Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, and Jonathan Greenard, injured.
Reactions Pour In After Vikings Extend Winning Streak
The Vikings were not expected to beat a Lions team that needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Minnesota’s social media team poked fun at the “experts” who all picked against them. However, even here at Vikings Territory, expectations were low. Only one of the panel of 12 writers from VT and Purple PTSD picked a Vikings win in our weekly predictions – shoutout to Henrique Gucciardi.
Andrew Van Ginkel led the Vikings’ defensive charge with a display reminiscent of those that earned him All-Pro honors last year. His two fumble recoveries were two of six turnovers forced by the Vikings defense that included an interception for both Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy.
We might be about to witness the Hitman’s final game next week, but the veteran safety is finishing the season strong and still enjoying his football.
Smith was full of praise for the Vikings’ fanbase, which has grown to love him over the past decade. The Vikings faithful were out in force on Christmas Day, despite it being a meaningless game for Minnesota’s postseason hopes.
Vikings match day commentator Paul Allen doesn’t want the Hitman’s journey to end after this season. Also pointing out how impressive the turnovers were against a team that had hardly turned the ball over all season.
Offensive Woes Continue
It was another game of struggle for the Vikings’ offense, but one big play from Jordan Addison made the difference.
The Vikings pitched a scoring dud in Max Brosmer’s first career start, and although he still struggled on his second attempt. Avoiding turnovers proved enough to back up the defense’s phenomenal performance.
We will wait to see if it’s McCarthy or Brosmer at QB for the final game, but itis hard to see Minnesota beating Green Bay if it’s Brosmer again.
Reactions from Vikings Past and Present
“I’m just really proud of the collective team effort that it took” – Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Thursday’s win.
Since the Vikings dropped to 4-8 and ended their playoff hopes, O’Connell can be pleased with his team’s response. They will head to the offseason with some momentum and confidence that, with just solid QB play in 2026, they will have a competitive team.
The Vikings’ special teams unit was also on top form, headlined by kicker and Pro Bowl snub Will Reichard. Drilling all of his kicks through the uprights, including a couple over 50 yards, Reichard broke the team record for most successful 50+ yard kicks in a season.
Ben Leber was full of praise for Reichard and the team’s defensive effort after the game.
While former Vikings WR Jake Reed urged his team to win out, a win over the Packers in Week 18 would see the Vikings finish a difficult season with a winning record that seemed improbable a month ago.
Finally, we have Vikings legend John Randle enjoying a glass and toasting another Vikings win.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
